Abstract:A pathogenic strain X1 was isolated from Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) suffering with bacterial septicaemia.The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀ ) of strain X1 was 5.62×10⁵ cfu/ml to healthy Siberian Sturgeon,which showed that strain X1 had rather strong virulence.Strain X1 was identified as Aeromonas hydrophila by physiological and biological studies and 16S rDNA sequence analysis,which indicates that it had close relativity with A.hydrophila strain ATCC35654 (locus number:X74676.1),with a high homology of 99%.Strain X1 was inactivated by 0.30% formalin and its whole cell vaccine was made to immune Siberian Sturgeon with injection.The experiment results showed that whole cell vaccine of A.hydrophila strain X1 could obviously enhance the level of serum anti-A.hydrophila antibodies-and the total counts of immunoglobulin,total proteins,as well as lysozyme.In addition,whole cell vaccine effectively prevented Siberian Sturgeon from being infected by A.hydrophila.The relative survival percent of Siberian Sturgeon was 50%.Further,whole cell vaccine with FIA improved relative survival percent to 70%,showing more effective immunity effect.Therefore,there is a potential to apply whole cell bacteria A.hydrophila strain X1 to prevention and cure of Siberian Sturgeon suffering with bacterial septicaemia.

Abstract:After collecting the HA gene sequences of 42 strains of avian influenza viruses (AIV) H5N1 isolated from human (Homo sapiens),poultry and wild birds by searching the GenBank of NCBI,we analyzed the transformation of the amino acid residues at key sites and constructed the phylogenetic tree using DNAStar and compared the homology and evolutionary relationship of these HA genes.The results suggest that HA genes of these AIV H5N1 viruses varies persistently at different rates.Within the same area or neighboring areas in China,the nucleotides are more homologous in the same year or between the continuous two years,indicating that some human AIV diseases may have been caused by the H5N1 viruses infection from poultry.And more researches concerning the role of wild birds are needed.

Abstract:Habitat use of wintering waterbirds at seashore aquaculture ponds were studied in Jiangjing Huaqiao Farm (25°29′-25°33′ N,119°23′-119°26′ E),Northeast Xinghua Bay in Fujian Province from December 2007 to March 2008.Six ponds,totally 360 hm² in size,were selected for sampling avian community.Total of 25 species belong to 6 orders 8 families were recorded.Habitat use at aquaculture ponds by wintering waterbirds were highly influenced by tidal model.Characteristics of waterbird community were obviously difference with levels.Number of species and abundance of waterbirds increased with tide flooding,while the number of dominant species reduced correspondingly.However,Shannon-wiener index (H′) and species evenness (J′) depressed with tide rising,and dominance index (C′) increased.Water depth of ponds was another important factor which influenced habitat use of waterbirds.The species composition and density of avian communities varied significantly with water depths in habitat.Shorebirds,gulls,egrets and herons inhabited in ponds with medium or shallow water.Ducks mainly used deep water ponds,and only a few birds of egrets and herons found in dry ponds.The seashore aquaculture ponds were crucial habitats temporarily used by waterbirds during high tide period.Scientific management is recommended for aquaculture ponds and tideland as the habitat of wintering waterbirds.

Abstract:Daytime behavioral pattern of Great Spotted Woodpecker (Picoides major)at the wood in cropland environment was investigated in Wulateqianqi County,Inner Mongolia in 3 summers (July-August) and 3 winters (December to February) from 2005 to 2008.By using animal-focus method we found that foraging and pecking were the most frequently recorded behaviours.A significant difference was found between different behaviours in the daytime.Behavioral rhythm was obvious in summer with a rest peak at midday,while in winter the bird neither showed a rest peak at midday nor obvious behavioral rhythm.No significant difference was found in behavioral patterns between male and female.The daytime behavioral pattern of Great Spotted Woodpecker was significant difference between summer and winter,the birds spent longer time for movement in summer than that in winter.

Abstract:Avifauna changes in 30 years in Xi′an were analyzed based on two bird surveys by line transect method conducted from 1977 to 1980 and 2004 to 2007.Totally,138 species were recorded in the first bird survey and 149 species in the second survey in four types of habitat,namely shallow hill zone,village/cropland,open water,and city building zone.Highest bird richness was found in the shallow hill zone where the ecological environment was undisturbed,while in city building zone the bird richness was the lowest in both of the bird surveys.Comparing with the result got in the first survey,24 species were not found and 34 birds have been added in the list,while 24 birds recorded in the first survey have not been found in the second survey. The species richness and abundance in each habitat was different for the two surveys. More bird species feeding on foliage have been recorded in the city building zone and more insectivorous birds have been recorded in the shallow hill zone in the second survey comparing with the result of the first bird survey.More attention should be paid to the urban bird conservation as the size of city expanded speedily.

Abstract:The gene special primers (GSP) were designed based on the short wavelength-sensitive (SWS) Opsin genes of primates, mice, cow and dog. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were used for amplifying 5′ end and 3′ end sequences of SWS Opsin gene of Myotis ricketti. The results show that the gene contains 1 050 bp in the coding region, encodes 350 amino acids, and lacks premature stop codons. In comparison with other mammals, the functionally important seven-transmembrane regions of the SWS Opsin gene are highly conserved, suggesting that it is a functional gene; and the key functional sites are 52 T, 86 F, 93 T, 114 A and 118 S, respectively, implying that the SWS Opsin of M.ricketti is sensitive to the ultraviolet (UV) light. Evolutionary analysis shows that positive selection has imposed on SWS Opsin in mammals, and the evolutionary rates of this gene have significant differences between M.ricketti and other mammals inferred by relative ratio test. Our study suggests that the SWS Opsin of M. ricketti have functional specialization, and thus may play an important role in bat vision in the night.

Abstract:We report the effects of candidate gene 5-HT_1A Receptor (5-HT_1A R) gene on self-biting of American Mink(Mustela vison)in this paper.Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the 5-HT 1A receptor gene were identified and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis.Correlation analysis between 5-HT_1A R polymorphisms and self-biting behavior was carried out using Chi-square test.Results show that the genotypes of 5-HT_1A R gene at nucleotide 136(T-G)have no effect on self-biting (χ²= 1.393 6, P>0.2),and that the genotypes of 5-HT_1A R gene at nucleotide 287(C-G)have an effect on self-biting(χ²= 3.769 4, P<0.2).

Abstract:Four nests of Mergus squamatus were located in two breeding seasons (from April to May), 2005 and 2006 at Dailing Bishui Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province. We measured the characteristics of the nests and made observation on the breeding and hatching behaviors for the 4 pair birds. M.squamatus arrived in the breeding area in late March and early April and left for winter area in one month from late September to late October. They spent about 210 days in their breeding area. The four nests were built in aged trees of elms (Ulmus propinqua) and poplars (Populus ussuriensis) that located in a quite open sites near river and road. The distances between two nests ranged from 1.6 km to 10 km. Copulation was made in water, females took 85.3% and 14.7% of their activity time to hatch and feed, respectively. While males spent 24.4% of their activity time to feed and they neither involved in hatching nor in feeding ducklings.

Abstract:Daytime incubating behavior of 3 pair semi-captive crane and 3 pair wild Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) was recorded from 05:00 to 18:00 hours for 18 day from April 9 to 26 in Zhalong Nature Reserve. The activity of each individual bird was recorded once every 5 minutes. The result showed that the semi-captive red-crowned crane and wild Red-crowned Crane exhibited the same behavioral pattern. In total behavior frequency, semi-captive red-crowned crane showed obviously higher frequency of breeding behavior (including mating, nest-building, incubating) than did the wild Red-crowned Crane, however, the semi-captive ones walked less than the wild crane. In the activity rhythm, the breeding behavior of semi-captive Red-crowned Crane was less fluctuated than the wild birds in each hour during one day. Due to human interference the semi-captive crane exhibited breeding behavior in a higher frequency than the wild birds (P<0.05). Based on the observation for individuals, significant difference was found in feeding behavior (P<0.05) and in the guarding behavior between the two group of crane (P<0.05).

Abstract:Field surveys on herpetological resources were carried out in Qiyunshan Nature Reserve, Jiangxi on January 10-19, May 16-24, and July 26 to August 8, 2007. Totally, 24 amphibian species, belonging to 7 families, 2 orders, accounting for 53.54% of the total 41 amphibian species, and 48 reptile species, belonging to 11 families, 3 orders, accounting for 57.83% of the total 83 reptile species were recorded. There are 60 species restricted in Oriental realm species and 12 species are the widespread,...

Abstract:Based on the samples collected from nine intertidal stations from Chajiandao, Dakouhedao and Wangzidao of the Yellow River Estuary in December 2005, the macrobenthos of the intertidal zone in the Yellow River Estuary is discussed. The result revealed that 34 species, including 13 polychate species, 11 mollusk species, 8 crustacean species, 1 nemertinean species and 1 fish species were found in the three localities. The average density of macrobenthos was 164 ind./m², while the average biomass was 61.12 g/m². The species composition and quantitative character among the nine stations were different. The species number was highest in station D3, and lowest in station C1. The macrobenthic community was affected by the substratum, tide, season and human activity.

Abstract:The clams from different coastal areas are compared according to the feature of figure on the shell. The results show that there are no obvious stripes on the shell of the clams from Guangxi Coast. The clams collected from Liaoning, Shandong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu coasts are classified into two groups in stripe color and pattern, and the stripes of the calms from Shandong are similar to that from Zhejiang. The microscopic anatomy of mantle of Meretrix meretrix is described through histological technique. The typical structure of the mantle of bivalve consisting of a middle zone and a marginal zone is observed. There are three protuberances in the marginal zone. The mantle is composed of inner epithelium, outer epithelium, connective tissue and muscular fiber. There are pigment cells in the epithelium.

Abstract:To further understand the development process of intermuscular bones in teleosts, a modified bone clearing and staining experiment was conducted to investigate morphological development of intermuscular bone in silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. It is showed that intermuscular bone has different shapes including I type, one-end-unequal-bifork type (卜type), one-end-equal-bifork type (y type), one-end-multifork type, two-end-multifork type, and tree-branch type. Generally, the morphological complexity of most intermuscular bones in anterior body was more than that in posterior body. The initial ossification of intermuscular bone is observed in the posterior part of the body at 43 dpf, and then each of the intermuscular bones is ossified anteriorly, and the morphological characters at 55 dpf are the same as those found in adult fish. The minimum length of silver carp with first ossified epineural bone is 10.50 mm, and with first ossified epipleural bone is 13.66 mm. The primary morphology of intermuscular bone is I type, and more complicated morphology of ossified intermuscular bones are gradually derived from I type during ossifing process. This study provides some very important information about the morphological development of intermuscular bone in silver carp, which will be helpful for us to further understand the molecular mechanism underlying intermuscular bone development.

Abstract:The open reading frame of cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP) was cloned from Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) cDNA library. The coding region encodes a 163-amino acid polypeptide with the highly conserved general structural organization of seven CCHC zinc finger domains, nuclear located signal and a RGG box which was highly conserved in fish. Compared with human and other vertebrates, the fifth glycine residue at the third zinc finger domain was substituted with histidine and 6-14 amino acid residues were absent between the first and the second zinc finger in the Grass Carp CNBP. Nevertheless, the grass carp CNBP was not in the positive Darwin selection (ω≤1) by adaptive evolution analysis. Therefore, new function was not generated by structural difference of CNBP. These indicated that CNBP was in the neutral selection.

Abstract:Histological methods were used to observe the sex differentiation of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. It was shown that ovary differentiated before spermary under temperature of (20±1)℃. The anatomical indication of ovarian differentiation was the formation of ovarian cavity. Ovary began to form 13 days after hatching. The anatomical indication of spermary differentiation was the formation of spermaduct and seminiferous lobule, and spermary appeared 55 days after hatching. In the early period of development, germ cell division in the female was earlier than that in the male. The mitosis of oogonia appeared 25 days after hatching and the spermatogonia proliferated 55 days after hatching. Besides, the meiosis of oogonia appeared 34 days after hatching while the meiosis of spermatogonia began 64 days after hatching.

Abstract:The present study dealt with the hematological and serum biochemical indices of adult Ovate Pompano Trachinotus ovatus reared in submersible cage and the relation between genders and haematological indices. The results showed that there was no significant difference on the erythrocyte number (RBC), leukocyte number (WBC), hematocrit (Ht) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) between adult male and female. In terms of the serum biochemical indices, concentration of blood glucose was much higher in male than in female. Moreover, the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), kalium (K⁺), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amiotransferase (ALT) in serum of female was higher than that of male (P<0.05). Meanwhile,the concentration of creatinine (CREA), natrium (Na⁺) in serum of male was higher than that of female. However, there was no significant difference between male and female in uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterin (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterin (HDL-C), γ-glutamyl transpeptadase (γ-GT),total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), ALB/GLB, calcium (Ca²⁺), chlorine (Cl^-) and phosphorus (PO₄^3-). Some serum biochemical indices differences between adult male and female ovate pompano might be related to the physical condition of each individual. The results would be used as the normal physiological indices for Ovate Pompano.

Abstract:Immunohistochemical localization and morphology of 5-Hydroxytryptamine immunoreactive cells (5-HT cells) in the digestive tract of Gloydius shedaoensis have been investigated by using the ABC(avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex)immunostaining technique. The 5-HT positive immunoreactive cells could be observed throughout the digestive tract, from esophagus to rectum. The density curve appeared wavelike and the cell density (number/field of vision) was the highest in the cardiac part of stomach (7.15±2.38), followed by the pylorica part of the rectum (4.55±3.14), and the lowest cell density was found in the esophagus (1.2±0.71).The 5-HT cells distributed at the bottom of epithelial cells, between epithelial cells, between glandular epithelial cells or in the lamina propria. The 5-HT cells had different shapes including round, shuttle-like, tapering and other shapes. We suggest that 5-HT positive immunoreactive cells in the digestive tract of G.shedaoensis should have both endocrine and exocrine functions, and the distributive density is related to its feeding habit and life environment in G.shedaoensis.

Abstract:We collected the reproductive parameter of Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia)in nest-box from 2005 to 2006 in a secondary forest in Zuojia Natural Reserve, Jilin Province. The clutch size of F.zanthopygia ranged from 5 to 7 eggs, average clutch size was 6.0 eggs (n=27), average egg weight was 1.6 g, average size of the eggs was 17.0 mm×13.1 mm (n=116). The incubation period of F.zanthopygia was 13.1 days, hatching success was 5.4 in every nest, nestling period lasted for 12.8 days, and fledging success was 5.3 in every nest. The nesting success of F.zanthopygia was 70.0%, the reproductive success of F.zanthopygia was 81.5%.

Abstract:Based on the surveys along Cangzhou Eastern Coastal Wetland and records of the Cangzhou Wildlife Rescue Center on raptors,totally 33 species of raptor (16 genera,5 families,2 orders),were accumulatively recorded in Changzhou region from May 2001 to March 2008. Among them,there are 26 species belonging to Falconiformes (3 families,10 genera),the rest 7 species are Strigiformes (2 families,6 genera).According to the resident types,16 species (48.5%) are migrators,8 (24.2%) wintering birds,3 (9.1%) breeding birds and 6 (18.2%) residental species.In terms of the fauna,15.2% of the total records are widely distributed birds,69.7% Palaearctic species and 15.2% are the Oriental species.Suggestions on raptors conservation are also proposed in the paper.

Abstract:Food composition and tract morphology of Apodemus agrarius mantchuricus and Cricetulus barabensis manchuricus in the plantation of Lower Nenjiang Valley was examined and compared to reveal whether the two species can co-exist through resources partitioning and how the two species adjust their digestive tract morphology to co-survival under the stress of competition and lower temperature.The contents of stomach were checked and sorted as leaves,stems,flowers,roots,seeds and insects to determine the food preferences of each species.The results showed that both of the two species mainly fed on fresh stems,leaves,seeds and insects,but the frequency of stems and leaves in stomachs of C.b.manchuricus was higher than that of A.a.mantchuricus,while the frequency of seeds,roots and insects was on the other hand.Adapted to food composition,both the length and the weight of stomach,caecum and large intestine of C.b.manchuricus were significantly larger than that of A.a.mantchuricus,which was the adaptive variation of C.b.manchuricus to its food resources with higher cellulose and lower quality.There were significant interspecific differences in small intestine,the small intestine length of C.b.manchuricus was shorter while the weight was larger than that of A.a.mantchuricus.These results indicated that the two co-existed rodent species have the different food selection pattern,while the different features of digestive tract morphology are the functional response to the partitioning of food resources.

Abstract:Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is not only the ancestor of domestic pigs,but also important genetic resources and the constituent of biological diversity.In order to further get insight into the genetic variability in its population and provide the genetic background and guidance for its conservation and utilization,the microsatellite DNA polymorphisms for 65 individuals sampled from the southern area of Yunnan province were assayed by using PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Of 76 microsatellite loci tested which are located on swine's 19 chromosomes,a total of 349 alleles were detected,and the number of alleles varied from 3 to 9 and the number of effective alleles from 1.683 5 to 8.066 7, with the mean value of 4.592 1±1.145 2 alleles and 3.709 9±0.990 4 effective alleles per locus.The observed heterozygosity,expected heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were estimated to be 0.949 2±0.113 5,0.711 6±0.078 7,and 0.663 4±0.092 1,respectively.The results show that the genetic diversity in the population of the Wild Boar in Yunnan Province is high.

Abstract:The objective of this study was to examine if Guangxi Bama Mini-pig somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos can develop to term after embryo transfer.Bama Mini-pig cloned embryos of 0.5-1.5 days old were surgically transferred to the oviductal ampulla of two female Bama Mini-pigs and two female Guangxi Luchuan pigs,of which the two female mini-pigs and one Luchuan pig returned to estrus,and one female Luchuan pig gave birth of one male cloned Bama mini-piglet.It is concluded that Guangxi Bama Mini-pig SCNT embryos can develop to term after embryo transfer.

Abstract:The Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana) used to be thought breeding mainly in north Far East region including NE China and the far eastern Russia^[1～6] . Whereas,from the beginning of the 21st century,cases of nesting effort of the stork were successively reported from eastern and central southern China,the region that constantly holding most of the wintering individuals of the bird^[4～6] ,with the localities of the Yellow River estuary in Shangdong by the Yellow Sea,Gaoyou and Dafeng of N Jiangsu,and,along the lower branch of the Yangtze River such as at Wangjiang in S Anhui and at Poyang,Yugan,and Jinxian of the SE part of Poyang lake in N Jiangxi^[12～14] . At the Yellow River estuary,one pair of the stork found nesting on electricity pylon in 2003,then,2 pairs in 2005 and 7 pairs in 2006. In 2007,16 nests were found and in total of 48 chicks observed hatched and well raised,then,in 2008,15 pairs with 42 or 43 raised chicks at least. As it is reported that,during 2004-2006,in total of 11 nests of the stork,also built on top of electricity pylons (over 45 m high),were found at Wangjiang of S Anhui^[14] ,whereas,due to human disturbance,only with 12 chicks could virtually get out of the nests^[15,16] . The Oriental Stork found as summer residents around Poyang lake was in 2002,with 13 birds recorded,then 25 birds in 2003^[12] . In 2004,2 pairs of the stork found nesting on pylon with 4 chicks raised. In 2007,5 pairs were found nesting on pylon at three localities (counties),Poyang,Yugan,and Jinxian,of the southeastern area of the lake,with 13 chicks getting out of the nests in safety and 2 other chicks falling down onto the ground then being transferred to Nanchang zoo for captive raising. Then,in early March 2008,we found 3 pairs started nesting on pylon at Poyang and Jinxian and observed birds mating in the nest,but,due to human disturbance,only 4-5 chicks,from 2 nests,were successfully raised. In fact,10 years have passed since the first attempt of one pair stork found nesting on electricity pylon in Taiwan in 1998,showing the bird started trying to breed in relatively lower latitude region of East Asia where historically being the wintering area of the bird,and,we thought that until now two new breeding subpopulations of the stork might hence be properly recognized being established,one at the Yellow River estuary and one along the lower branch of the Yangtze River,with a remarkable characteristic that all the birds in the two subpopulations are to prefer nesting on pylons,and they did it quite well,if there is no human disturbance. According to the latest factsheet on the Oriental Stork quite recently issued by BirdLife International,the whole world population of mature birds of the stork is currently estimated to be of 1 000-2 499 individuals only,so,number of each new subpopulation is to reach to 1% of its world population,with the whole breeding range of the bird,formerly estimated of about 474 000 km² ,much southward extended.

Abstract:Females have displayed laterality of cradling and carrying their babies,while babies have also showed their nipple preference in primates.Some studies have demonstrated that the preference for laterality in primates is physically based on the asymmetry of their brain and the functional evolution process.The maternal cradling laterality and infant nipple preference in primates is regarded as an important topic in the study field on primates.However,this topic has not gotten much attention in China,yet.The results that got from the studies oversea have showed a variation from species to species in non-human primates.